Ways To Grow Love

Gr 3-5–This summer is shaping up to be different than any other summer, and Ryan Hart isn’t sure how she feels about that. She always looks forward to her summer traditions, like checking out an armful of books from the library with her mom, and her family’s annual trip to the Oaks Park amusement park—but nothing is quite the same now that Ryan’s mom is expecting a new baby and has to take things easy. Still, there are some exciting things for Ryan to look forward to, like her first chance to go to sleepaway church camp with her two best friends, KiKi and Amanda. And of course Ryan can’t wait to meet her new baby sister. Not everything goes as planned, but nevertheless Ryan finds that she is bursting with summer memories by the time school begins in September. This second installment in the “Ryan Hart” series is both relatable and inspirational. A young optimistic Black girl, Watson’s irresistible Ryan models how to navigate a changing world with resilience, kindness, and love, all of which are reflected in Mata’s delightful illustrations. Readers who are likewise awaiting a new sibling, or who are simply learning to adjust to an ever-changing world, will be heartened by Ryan’s openness to making new memories and creating new traditions.